I just wanted to give an update on my search for a surgeon in the Philippines. I visited several doctors -- Peralta-Arambulo, Cacas, and Pineda. Based on the consultations, I ended up going with Dr. Andrew Pineda. He's a really nice guy and has been doing transplants for decades. Very experienced yet easy going.
He ended up doing a combo procedure, performing a strip surgery and an FUE in the same day. I showed up at 7am and left around 8:30pm. Netted close to 4,000 grafts (I was a Norwood V/VI...basically completely bald with very thin hairs left). He used roughly 3,000 on the top 2/3 of my head, and 1,000 on the crown.
The surgery was performed June 19 2015 and one year later I'm very happy with the results. I have hair again!
The crown is taking longer to fill in, but from what I understand that is to be expected. I'm happy to share my experience with anyone considering Dr. Pineda.
I uploaded an album with pre-surgery and 1-year post results here: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/asus41/albums/4797